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Understanding Consumption Behavior: Evidence from Consumers' Reaction to Shopping Vouchers

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  • Kamhon Kan
  • Shin-Kun Peng
  • Ping Wang

Abstract

This paper advances our understanding of consumption behavior using the 2009 Taiwan Shopping Voucher Program. This program was universal and well publicized, and its payment to each individual was medium-sized. Based on survey data, it is found that the marginal propensity to consume is about one quarter, which is comparable to findings obtained by previous studies on consumers'response to fiscal stimulus payments. Further, vendors' discounts for voucher users played a significant role in boosting the effectiveness of the program.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamhon Kan & Shin-Kun Peng & Ping Wang, 2017. "Understanding Consumption Behavior: Evidence from Consumers' Reaction to Shopping Vouchers," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 9(1), pages 137-153, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:9:y:2017:i:1:p:137-53
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.20130426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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